Bethel is a Family - Technology's Impact on Our Family

Dear Bethel Families,

Welcome back! We’re excited to begin another joyful year of learning and growing together. As we start this school year, I want to share some important concerns we’ve heard directly from our students over the past several years regarding technology use outside of school.  Please discuss this with your children as you deem appropriate.

Over the past few years, students have self-reported exposure to:

• Inappropriate content on TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms
• Sexualized language, cursing, and racial slurs
• Extended screen time, often unsupervised or with strangers in online games
• Use of private browsing to hide activity from adults 
  • K-5 students report knowing how to use their X-box to freely search the internet
• Knowledge of or access to explicit content through gaming systems

Students have also shared increased use of AI tools and chatbots like ChatGPT and Character.ai, sometimes to engage in content not appropriate for their age. These tools can be powerful, but they are not intended for unsupervised use by elementary-aged children.  For more information, please see also this district Safety Summit presentation on AI and chatbots.

We are seeing the effects of these trends in focus issues, social struggles, and emotional well-being at school. At Bethel, we are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and developmentally appropriate learning environment. We ask for your partnership in talking with your child about how to use technology safely and responsibly.  Bethel Bengals are safe and responsible.  They do not curse and joke inappropriately.  They are leaders and show integrity.  Bethel Bengals are kind and courageous.

If your child ever reports something concerning happening at school—or if you have questions—we want to know. We know every family wants the best for their child, just as we do. The influence of what students are exposed to outside of school shows up in classrooms, friendships, and even in how students view themselves.

I value the opportunity to partner together to create a school culture that honors childhood, encourages curiosity, builds self-control, and keeps students safe—both online and in person.  If you have questions or need support in having these conversations at home this year, please reach out to your child’s teacher or to me directly. We are here to help. Thank you for all you do to support your child and our school community. Let’s make this a wonderful year!  And - please mark your calendars!!! I plan to be there and would love to see our Bengal Family!

Save the Date!  CCS First-Ever Technology Night Date: September 25, 5:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Concord High School Join us for Cabarrus County Schools’ first-ever Family Technology Night—an exciting, hands-on event designed to connect families with the digital tools their students use every day. This evening will offer opportunities to explore platforms like Google Workspace, Canvas, Clever, and Promethean boards, while also providing on-site support with student logins, parent portals, and device access. Families will have the chance to attend mini-sessions on digital citizenship, screen time, and internet safety, and connect directly with staff and tech experts. There will be interactive booths and giveaways to help make the night both informative and fun. Mark your calendars and come explore how technology is transforming learning in Cabarrus County Schools!

Julie Barbee
Principal, Bethel Elementary School